Neural Network in the winners circle after triumphing in the feature race of the July 5 Races on St Thomas. Photo: VINO

Neural Network, ridden by Winston Hurst Jr, took the win in the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup for a purse of $20,000 on July 5, 2026. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the feature race at the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup on July 5, 2026. Photo: VINO

Ghostinyou (left) of Tortola and Fighting Back (right) of Anegada will carry Virgin Islands pride on their backs when the feature clash of the July 5 Races is held at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St Thomas, US Virgin Islands today, Sunday, July 5, 2026. Photo: VINO/File

Eight clashes are carded for the July 5 Races today, July 5, 2026. Post time for Race 1 is 1:00 PM. Photo: Facebook

Neural Network, ridden by Winston Hurst Jr, took the win in the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup for a purse of $20,000.

Other horses in the Open Handicap race contested over 1 mile and 1/16 were Grand Tower, Feel the Magic, and Ice Road.

It was the third victory of the day for jockey Winston Hurst Jr.

It is unclear why Ghostinyou of Tortola and Fighting Back of Anegada were scratched.

More details to follow. 

See previous article published July 5, 2026

VI's Ghostinyou & Fighting Back in feature horse race in USVI today

ESTATE BOVONI, St Thomas, USVI- Ghostinyou of Tortola and Fighting Back of Anegada will carry Virgin Islands pride on their backs when the feature clash of the July 5 Races is held at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St Thomas, US Virgin Islands today, Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The 2024 Governor's Cup Champion Ghostinyou, owned by Top Priority Racing Stables, and Fighting Back, owned by Kenny Francis, will come up against the likes of Grand Tower, Ice Road, Feel the Magic, and Neural Network in the feature race from 5:00 PM.

Eight races are carded for the day. Post time for Race 1 is 1:00 PM.

The final race of the day, at 5:45 PM, will see Lasor Sharp of Tortola (Top Priority Racing Stables) vying for the top prize. Other horses taking to the gates will be Valued Cajon, Mundo Mix, Sound of the Beast and Carico.

Action-packed lineup

Chief Operating Officer of Southland Gaming Virgin Islands, Shaine A. Gaspard said guests attending today’s July 5 Celebration Race Day can look forward to another fun-filled afternoon featuring 8 action-packed horse races and an exciting lineup of entertainment for the entire family.

He said race fans of all ages can enjoy family activities for the children, and a popular hat contest with fantastic prizes!

Race Day is more than just horse racing, it’s Family Day at the Track. It’s the energy the moment you walk through the gates. It’s the roar of the crowd as the horses thunder down the stretch. It’s the excitement of sharing unforgettable moments with family, friends, and fellow fans.

"That’s the experience. That’s the tradition. That’s the show," Gaspard told our News Centre.